January 30

The winter months are a great time to get together with family, spend time out in the snow, and participate

in various holiday activities. That being said, it can also be a tricky time for the elderly to get around safely. Don’t fret – we’ve come up with a few ideas to keep everyone safe and happy this holiday season.

Avoid icy terrains

Be it in your car or on foot, ice is one of the top causes of injury during the cold months. Care.com suggests wearing shoes with solid soles and good traction, and making sure your cane tip is replaced regularly. If you’re driving a car and can’t avoid the snow or ice, be sure to slow down your speed and avoid getting too close to other cars. If you start to slide, try your best not to swivel the wheel, but keep it in a straight line, which makes braking easier.

Get your heating system checked out

After months of being off, furnaces can develop a variety of problems due to inactivity. Make sure you have a trained professional check out your furnace before operating the system.

Dress the part

While dressing warmly in the wintertime is a good idea for people of any age, senior citizens need to be especially cautious. Make sure you’re wearing not only a heavy jacket, but also a decent pair of mittens or gloves, a hat, and a scarf, preferably with fleece lining. As you age, you become more susceptible to illness, which makes dressing warmly a priority.

Make a list of emergency contacts

If weather gets really bad, you should have someone available who can give you a ride or come to your home for assistance. Be sure to confirm this with the person in advance, especially if you know a storm is on its way.

Get your flu shot

Getting a flu shot every year is a good idea. The CDC has a page that answers all your questions about why this is a necessary step for senior citizens. With age being an important factor in disease contraction, there is no reason to leave room for risk!

As long as you’re cognizant of your safety, the winter months can be a really fun time for people of any age. Remember these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying the cold months with ease.